Turkish Grand Prix 2005 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Kimi Raikkonen dominated the inaugural Turkish Grand Prix at the spectacular Istanbul Park circuit, leading from pole position to claim his fifth victory of the season ahead of championship leader Fernando Alonso. The Finnish driver's commanding performance at F1's newest venue showcased his mastery of the challenging layout, particularly through the legendary Turn 8 - one of the sport's greatest corners - while Alonso's second-place finish kept him comfortably ahead in the championship standings with just four races remaining.

Starting from pole with a blistering lap of 1:26.797, Raikkonen controlled the race from start to finish, managing his Michelin tires perfectly through Istanbul Park's punishing combination of high-speed corners and heavy braking zones. The circuit, making its F1 debut, immediately became a favorite among drivers and fans alike, with Turn 8 - a breathtaking quadruple-apex left-hander taken flat-out in top gear - becoming an instant classic. Raikkonen's speed through this corner was mesmerizing, and he built a comfortable gap to Alonso's chasing Renault. Juan Pablo Montoya set the fastest lap, showcasing McLaren's raw pace, but couldn't challenge his teammate for the victory.

Alonso drove a mature, calculated race to secure second place, extracting the maximum from his Renault R25 despite lacking the ultimate pace to match the McLarens. His runner-up finish was exactly what his championship campaign needed - consistent points that extended his lead while others struggled. Montoya completed the podium in third place for McLaren, marking another strong weekend for the silver team. The Turkish Grand Prix was a spectacular addition to the F1 calendar, with its modern facilities and challenging layout earning immediate acclaim. For Raikkonen, the victory was another demonstration of his exceptional talent, but with McLaren's reliability woes continuing, his championship challenge was effectively over despite his superior speed.